U.S. patent application number 10/387434 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-25 for artificial bone template selection system, artificial bone template display system, artificial bone template storage system and artificial bone template recording medium.
This patent application is currently assigned to FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Ohkubo, Takeshi, Shimura, Kazuo, Tanaka, Hiroshi.
Application Number | 20030181831 10/387434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27344638 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030181831 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tanaka, Hiroshi ; et
al. |
September 25, 2003 |
Artificial bone template selection system, artificial bone template
display system, artificial bone template storage system and
artificial bone template recording medium
Abstract
An artificial bone template selection system includes a template
data storage system in which template data representing a plurality
of templates representing a plurality of artificial bones of
different shapes is stored. A bone shape measuring system measures
the shape of bone to be replaced by artificial bone on the basis of
bone image data representing an image including the bone to be
replaced by artificial bone. A prospective template selection
system selects at least one template the shape of which
substantially conforms to the shape of the bone to be replaced by
artificial bone as measured by the bone shape measuring system out
of the plurality of templates represented by the template data.
Inventors: |
Tanaka, Hiroshi;
(Kaisei-machi, JP) ; Shimura, Kazuo;
(Kaisei-machi, JP) ; Ohkubo, Takeshi;
(Kaisei-machi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington
DC
20037-3213
US
|
Assignee: |
FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
|
Family ID: |
27344638 |
Appl. No.: |
10/387434 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10387434 |
Mar 14, 2003 |
|
|
|
09954005 |
Sep 18, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/587 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2002/2825 20130101;
A61F 2002/30004 20130101; G16H 50/50 20180101; A61F 2/30942
20130101; G16H 40/60 20180101; A61F 2002/30953 20130101; A61F
2002/30952 20130101; A61F 2250/005 20130101; G16H 10/60 20180101;
A61F 2002/30963 20130101; A61F 2/28 20130101; G16H 40/63
20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/587 |
International
Class: |
A61B 005/103; A61B
005/117 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 18, 2000 |
JP |
281186/2000 |
Sep 18, 2000 |
JP |
281712/2000 |
Sep 18, 2000 |
JP |
281713/2000 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An artificial bone template selection system comprising a
template data storage means in which template data representing a
plurality of templates representing a plurality of artificial bones
of different shapes is stored, a bone shape measuring means which
measures the shape of bone to be replaced by artificial bone on the
basis of bone image data representing an image including the bone
to be replaced by artificial bone, and a prospective template
selection means which selects, as a prospective template, at least
one template the shape of which substantially conforms to the shape
of the bone to be replaced by artificial bone as measured by the
bone shape measuring means out of the plurality of templates
represented by the template data.
2. An artificial bone template selection system as defined in claim
1 further comprising a display means which displays the bone image
representing the shape of the bone to be replaced by the artificial
bone and an image of the prospective template(s) selected by the
prospective template selection means and a display control means
which causes the display means to display the bone image and the
image of the prospective template superposed one on another.
3. An artificial bone template selection system as defined in claim
2 in which an image processing means which carries out image
processing on at least one of the images displayed by the display
means so that their shapes can be more clearly discriminated is
provided, and the display control means causes the display means to
display the image processed by the image processing means in the
processed condition.
4. An artificial bone template selection system as defined in claim
1 further comprising an order information output means which
outputs information for ordering artificial bone corresponding to
the template selected by the prospective template selection
means.
5. An artificial bone template selection system comprising a
template data storage means in which template data representing a
plurality of templates representing a plurality of artificial bones
of different shapes is stored, a bone image display means which
displays the bone image representing the shape of the bone to be
replaced by the artificial bone, a feature point designating means
which designates on the bone image displayed by the bone image
display means a feature point representing the shape of the bone, a
bone shape specifying means which specifies the shape of the bone
on the basis of the feature point designated by the feature point
designating means, and a prospective template selection means which
selects, as a prospective template, at least one template the shape
of which substantially conforms to the shape of the bone specified
by the bone shape specifying means out of the plurality of
templates represented by the template data.
6. An artificial bone template selection system as defined in claim
5 further comprising a display control means which causes the
display means to display the bone image and the image of the
prospective template superposed one on another.
7. An artificial bone template selection system as defined in claim
6 in which an image processing means which carries out image
processing on at least one of the images displayed by the display
means so that their shapes can be more clearly discriminated is
provided, and the display control means causes the display means to
display the image processed by the image processing means in the
processed condition.
8. An artificial bone template selection system as defined in claim
5 further comprising an order information output means which
outputs information for ordering artificial bone corresponding to
the template selected by the prospective template selection
means.
9. An artificial bone template display system comprising a template
data storage means in which template data representing a plurality
of templates representing a plurality of artificial bones of
different shapes is stored, a display means which displays an
image, and a display control means which causes the display means
to display the bone image and an image of at least one of the
templates stored in the template storage means superposed one on
another.
10. An artificial bone template display system as defined in claim
9 in which an image processing means which carries out image
processing on at least one of the images displayed by the display
means so that their shapes can be more clearly discriminated is
provided, and the display control means causes the display means to
display the image processed by the image processing means in the
processed condition.
11. An artificial bone template display system as defined in claim
9 further comprising an order information output means which
outputs information for ordering artificial bone corresponding to
the template selected by the prospective template selection
means.
12. An artificial bone template storage system comprising an image
file recording means which records a plurality of pieces of
template image data, each piece representing an image of one
template, in an image file, and a shape file recording means which
records a plurality of pieces of template shape data representing
geometric features of each of the templates in a shape file in
correlation with the template image data for each template.
13. An artificial bone template storage system as defined in claim
12 further comprising a shape data extracting means which extracts
a plurality of pieces of template shape data, each representing a
feature of the shape of a template, on the basis of template image
data on each template.
14. An artificial bone template storage system as defined in claim
12 in which the shape data is in the form of vector data.
15. A computer-readable recording medium for storing template data
representing a plurality of templates representing a plurality of
artificial bones of different shapes in which are recorded an image
file in which a plurality of pieces of image data each representing
one artificial bone template are recorded and a shape file in which
a plurality of pieces of shape data each representing a feature of
the shape of an artificial bone template are recorded in
correlation with the image data for the template.
16. A computer-readable recording medium as defined in claim 15 in
which the shape data is in the form of vector data.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to an artificial bone template
selection system which selects an artificial bone template suitable
for the part of bone to be replaced by artificial bone out of a
plurality of artificial bone templates prepared in advance. This
invention further relates to an artificial bone template display
system which displays artificial bone templates which have been
prepared, an artificial bone template storage system which stores a
plurality of artificial bone templates prepared in advance, and an
artificial bone template recording medium for recording thereon
artificial bone templates.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In the orthopedic surgery, the oral surgery and the like,
when a patient loses a part of a bone due to disease or accident or
by a surgical removal as treatment for malignant tumor, the lost
part of the bone has been replaced by his or her own bone of
another part.
[0005] Recently, artificial bone (artificial hard tissue) of
stainless steel, cobalt-chrome series alloy, metal such as
titanium, aluminum or zirconium, oxide of these metals, ceramic
such as apatite, or composite material of these materials has been
put into practical use as substitution for the lost part of the
bone.
[0006] Artificial bone which is to be embedded in place of the lost
part of the bone is produced on the basis of a standard model which
is selected, on the basis of the shape of the part to be replaced
by the artificial bone, out of a plurality of standard models which
have been prepared, in advance, in different shapes.
[0007] Conventionally, the standard models are stored in the form
of real templates representing the contours of the standard models
(e.g., templates formed of transparent plastic sheets), and the
real templates are superposed on an image of the lost part of the
bone in sequence and whether each of the templates conforms to the
lost part of the bone is visually checked.
[0008] However, since the standard models are prepared at intervals
of 1 mm of the diameter of the bone head (the head of the bone) or
the length of the bone shaft or the bone holder and at intervals of
1.degree. of the angle between the bone shaft and the bone holder,
the number of the standard models or the real templates is
numerous, and accordingly, to select one template in the
conventional way is a time-consuming and labor-consuming
process.
[0009] Further, since being manually superposed on the image of the
lost part of the bone in a limited time interval, each template
cannot be accurately aligned with the image of the lost part and an
optimal standard model or template cannot be constantly
selected.
[0010] Further, since numerous templates must be kept at hand,
management of the templates is troublesome.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In view of the foregoing observations and description, the
primary object of the present invention is to provide an artificial
bone template selection system which can efficiently select an
artificial bone template suitable for the part of bone to be
replaced by artificial bone out of a plurality of artificial bone
templates prepared in advance.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
artificial bone template display system which displays artificial
bone templates in such a manner that a suitable template can be
selected in a shorter time, and management of templates can be
facilitated.
[0013] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a template data storage system which stores electronic data on the
templates in such a manner that a suitable template can be selected
in a shorter time.
[0014] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a computer-readable recording medium which stores electronic data
on the templates in such a manner that a suitable template can be
selected in a shorter time.
[0015] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an artificial bone template selection system
comprising a template data storage means in which template data
representing a plurality of templates representing a plurality of
artificial bones of different shapes is stored, a bone shape
measuring means which measures the shape of bone to be replaced by
artificial bone on the basis of bone image data representing an
image including the bone to be replaced by artificial bone, and a
prospective template selection means which selects, as a
prospective template, at least one template the shape of which
substantially conforms to the shape of the bone to be replaced by
artificial bone as measured by the bone shape measuring means out
of the plurality of templates represented by the template data.
[0016] Preferably, there are provided a display means which
displays the bone image representing the shape of the bone to be
replaced by the artificial bone and an image of the prospective
template(s) selected by the prospective template selection means
and a display control means which causes the display means to
display the bone image and the image of the prospective template
superposed one on another.
[0017] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an artificial bone template selection system
comprising a template data storage means in which template data
representing a plurality of templates representing a plurality of
artificial bones of different shapes is stored, a bone image
display means which displays the bone image representing the shape
of the bone to be replaced by the artificial bone, a feature point
designating means which designates on the bone image displayed by
the bone image display means a feature point representing the shape
of the bone, a bone shape specifying means which specifies the
shape of the bone on the basis of the feature point designated by
the feature point designating means, and a prospective template
selection means which selects, as a prospective template, at least
one template the shape of which substantially conforms to the shape
of the bone specified by the bone shape specifying means out of the
plurality of templates represented by the template data.
[0018] The artificial bone template selection system in accordance
with the second aspect of the present invention differs from that
of the first aspect of the present invention in that the former
specifies the shape of the bone to be replaced by the artificial
bone on the basis of a feature point designated on the image of the
bone displayed by the display means whereas the latter specifies
the shape of the bone to be replaced by the artificial bone on the
basis of the bone image data.
[0019] As the feature point representing the shape of the bone, the
center of the bone head, the edge of the bone head, the
longitudinal ends of the bone shaft and the bone holder, and the
like may be used. By designating the center and the edge of the
bone head, the diameter of the bone head can be specified, and by
designating the longitudinal ends of the bone shaft and the bone
holder, the lengths of the bone shaft and the bone holder and the
angle therebetween can be specified. Further, when the diameter of
the bone head, the lengths of the bone shaft and the bone holder
and the angle therebetween are specified, the overall shape of the
bone can be specified.
[0020] Preferably there are provided a display means which displays
an image of the prospective template(s) selected by the prospective
template selection means and a display control means which causes
the display means to display the bone image and the image of the
prospective template superposed one on another.
[0021] When the bone image and the image of the prospective
template are displayed superposed one on another in the artificial
bone template selection system in accordance with the first or
second aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that an
image processing means which carries out image processing on at
least one of the images displayed by the display means so that
their shapes can be more clearly discriminated be provided, and the
image processed by the image processing means is displayed in the
processed condition.
[0022] The expression "so that their shapes can be more clearly
discriminated" means "so that discrimination between the shapes of
the prospective templates is facilitated" (in the case where a
plurality of prospective templates are selected) as well "so that
discrimination between the shapes of the prospective template and
the bone image is facilitated".
[0023] In the artificial bone template selection system in
accordance with the first or second aspect of the present
invention, it is preferred that an order information output means
which outputs, for instance, a data file on information for
ordering artificial bone corresponding to the template selected by
the prospective template selection means, e.g., maker, model
number, number, delivery time, place of delivery, and the like, be
provided.
[0024] The information for ordering the artificial bone need not be
for all the prospective templates selected by the prospective
template selection means but may be for only a final template which
is finally selected from the prospective templates selected by the
prospective template selection means.
[0025] The template data used in the artificial bone template
selection system in accordance with the first or second aspect of
the present invention is preferably prepared not only for storing
images of the templates as electronic data but also for
facilitating retrieval and shape matching. For example, the
template data preferably comprises an image file in which a
plurality of pieces of image data each representing one template
are recorded and a shape data file in which a plurality of pieces
of shape data (e.g., vector data) each representing a feature of
the shape of a template are recorded in correlation with the image
data for the template.
[0026] The template data comprising the image data and the shape
data may be provided recorded on a computer-readable recording
medium.
[0027] In the artificial bone template selection system in
accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, one or
more prospective templates, the shape of which substantially
conforms to the shape of the bone to be replaced, can be
automatically selected without visually checking whether each of
the templates conforms to the bone or manually superposing each of
the templates on the image of bone, whereby one or more standard
artificial bone can be selected easily in a short time.
[0028] Further, when the bone image and the image of the
prospective template are displayed superposed one on another,
whether the prospective template is really suitable for the bone to
be replaced can be judged observing the superposed image. In this
case, since the number of the prospective templates is limited by
the automatic selection, a template most optimal to the bone can be
easily and quickly selected.
[0029] In the artificial bone template selection system in
accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, one or
more prospective templates, the shape of which substantially
conforms to the shape of the bone to be replaced, can be
automatically selected even if the bone is too complicated in shape
for the artificial bone template selection system in accordance
with the first aspect of the present invention to select a template
suitable for the bone.
[0030] As in the artificial bone selection system in accordance
with the first aspect of the present invention, when the bone image
and the image of the prospective template are displayed superposed
one on another, whether the prospective template is really suitable
for the bone to be replaced can be judged observing the superposed
image. In this case, since the number of the prospective templates
is limited by the automatic selection, a template most optimal to
the bone can be easily and quickly selected.
[0031] Further, in both the artificial bone template selection
systems in accordance with the first and second aspects of the
present invention, since a template data storage means in which
template data representing a plurality of templates representing a
plurality of artificial bones of different shapes is stored in the
form of electronic data is used, management of the templates
becomes unnecessary.
[0032] Further, in both the artificial bone template selection
systems in accordance with the first and second aspects of the
present invention, when an image processing means which carries out
image processing on at least one of the images displayed by the
display means so that their shapes can be more clearly
discriminated is provided and the image processed by the image
processing means is displayed in the processed condition, the bone
image and the image of the prospective template can be easily
discriminated from each other, which permits the operator to more
accurately locate the images with respect to each other in a short
time. Further, a template most optimal to the bone can be easily
and quickly selected, and at the same time, relative position
between the images can be more finely adjusted, whereby most
optimal template can be surely selected.
[0033] Further, when the artificial bone template system is
provided with an order information output means which outputs,
information for ordering artificial bone corresponding to the
template selected by the prospective template selection means, an
automatic artificial bone order system which automatically orders
artificial bone as soon as the prospective template selection
processing can be realized. When the system is incorporated in a
network such as using the internet, the user such as a doctor, a
medical engineer and the like can directly trade with a maker or an
agency without intervening therebetween a broker.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an artificial bone
template selection system in accordance with a first embodiment of
the present invention,
[0035] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an appearance of the
artificial bone template selection system shown in FIG. 1,
[0036] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a part including a femur as a
bone to be replaced,
[0037] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of the frame on the
basis of which the template selection processing is carried
out,
[0038] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an artificial bone
template selection system in accordance with a second embodiment of
the present invention,
[0039] FIG. 6 is a view for illustrating a method of designating on
the displayed bone image a feature point representing the shape of
the bone,
[0040] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing in detail the template
data storage means,
[0041] FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of the structure of
template data, and
[0042] FIGS. 9A and 9B are views showing another example of the
structure of template data.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] In FIG. 1, an artificial bone template selection system 1 in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention
comprises a template data storage means 10 in which template data
representing a plurality of templates representing a plurality of
artificial bones of different shapes is stored, a bone shape
measuring means 20 which measures the shape of bone to be replaced
by artificial bone on the basis of bone image data S1 representing
an image including the bone to be replaced by artificial bone, a
prospective template selection means 30 which selects, as a
prospective template, at least one template the shape of which
substantially conforms to the shape of the bone to be replaced by
artificial bone as measured by the bone shape measuring means 20
out of the plurality of templates represented by the template data,
a display means 40 (e.g., a CRT or a liquid crystal panel) which
displays the bone image representing the shape of the bone to be
replaced by the artificial bone and an image of the prospective
template(s) selected by the prospective template selection means
30, an image processing means 50 which carries out image processing
on the images displayed by the display means so that their shapes
can be more clearly discriminated from each other, a display
control means 60 which causes the display means 40 to display the
bone image and the image of the prospective template superposed one
on another on the basis of the processed image data, and an order
information output means 70 which outputs order information for
ordering artificial bone for replacing the bone.
[0044] The artificial bone template selection system 1 further
comprises a shaping means 80 which deforms, on the screen of the
display means 40, the shape of a standard template represented by
template data read out from the template data storage means 10, a
storage means 81 which stores difference data D3 representing the
difference in shape between the standard template and a deformed
template obtained by deforming the standard template by the shaping
means 80, and an input means 90 (consisting of a keyboard 91, a
dial 92, a mouse 93 and the like) for inputting data for selecting
a more desirable template out of prospective templates and/or for
carrying out various operations.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the display means 40, the input means 90
and the like are placed on a table 2, and the template data storage
means 10, the bone shape measuring means 20 and the like are
contained in a body 3 under the table 2.
[0046] The template data storage means 10 comprises, for instance,
a magnetic recording device such as a hard disc which reads out
template data from a computer-readable portable recording medium
such as a CD-ROM or a MO and temporarily stores the template data
read out. When the speed of the selection (retrieval) to be
described later does not involve a problem, the template data may
be read out from the computer-readable portable recording medium
such as a CD-ROM or a MO on the spot.
[0047] The template data comprises an image file in which a
plurality of pieces of image data each representing one template
are recorded and a shape data file in which a plurality of pieces
of template shape data D1 each representing a feature of the shape
of a template are recorded in correlation with the image data for
the template. The image file includes, in addition to life-size
images of the standard templates, thumbnail images (scale-down
images) of the standard templates (e.g., reduced 1/8 by 1/8).
[0048] By storing template images in the form of electronic data,
whether each template conforms in shape to the bone to be replaced
can be checked on the basis of electronic data and the necessity of
keeping numerous templates at hand and managing the templates can
be eliminated.
[0049] In this particular embodiment, vector data representing a
geometrical feature is employed as the shape data D1. In the case
of a femur, the diameter of the bone head, the length of the bone
shaft, the length of the bone holder between the bone head and the
bone shaft and/or the angle between the bone shaft and the bone
holder can be employed as the vector data. With this arrangement, a
database for facilitating retrieval and shape matching can be
obtained.
[0050] The bone shape measuring means 20 comprises a measuring
section 21 which measures the shape of the bone to be replaced on
the basis of the image data S1, and a storage section 22 which
stores bone shape data D2 representing the shape of the bone
measured by the measuring section 21.
[0051] The prospective template selection means 30 carries out
selection (retrieval) for selecting a standard template, which
conforms to the shape of the bone to be replaced, on the basis of
the bone shape data D2 obtained by measuring the bone (read out
from the storage section 22) and the template shape data D1 read
out from the template data storage means 10.
[0052] The image processing means 50 carries out image processing
for facilitating discrimination between the shape of the template
and the shape of the bone. For example, the image processing means
50 carries out image processing, during or after selection of the
standard template, for displaying the edge of the bone and/or the
template only in line, shading the image, displaying contour lines,
displaying the overall shapes the bone and/or the template in a
wire frame fashion or enhancing the edge of one of the bone and the
template.
[0053] The display control means 60 sets layout of the frame of the
display means 40 so that a template display area, where a list of
prospective templates automatically selected by the prospective
template selection means 30 and/or thumbnail images of the
prospective templates is displayed and a bone image display area,
where an image of the bone is displayed, are provided side by side.
Further, the display control means 60 causes the display means 40
to display the image of the bone and the image of the template (the
processed image, when it has been processed by the image processing
means 50) in the template display area superposed one on
another.
[0054] In the superposed display, all the prospective templates may
be automatically located to be superposed on the image of the bone
or only one or more of the prospective templates selected by the
operator out of the prospective templates automatically selected by
the prospective template selection means 30 may be superposed on
the image of the bone. In the latter case, the prospective
template(s) may be located under the instruction of the
operator.
[0055] By thus setting the template display area and the bone image
display area, the image of the bone and the list of the prospective
templates (with the thumbnail images of the prospective templates)
can be displayed simultaneously, and a final most optimal template
can be selected at high efficiency out of a plurality of
prospective templates automatically selected by the prospective
template selection means 30.
[0056] Operation of the artificial bone template selection system 1
of this embodiment will be described, hereinbelow.
[0057] It is consumed here that a femur 9 (FIG. 3) is to be
replaced by artificial bone, and a radiation image (CR image)
including the image of the femur 9 is taken by a CR (computed
radiography) system. That is, X-rays are projected through an
object onto an imaging plate comprising stimulable phosphor so that
a radiation image of the object is recorded on the imaging plate as
a pattern of stored radiation energy. Then the radiation image
recorded on the imaging plate is read out and bone image data Si is
obtained. The bone image data S1 is input into the artificial bone
template selection system 1 of this embodiment.
[0058] The display control means 60 causes the display means 40 to
display a femur 9 with a lost part 9a together with bones 7 and 8
around the femur 9 in the bone image display area on the basis of
the bone image data S1 as shown in FIG. 4.
[0059] The bone image data S1 is input also into the measuring
section 21 of the bone image measuring system 21. The measuring
section 21 extracts the edge of the femur 9 with the lost part 9a
by a known method and stores bone shape data representing the outer
shape of the femur 9 in the storage section 22. The bone shape data
D2 is in the same format as the template shape data D1 stored in
the template data storage means 10. In this particular embodiment,
since the template shape data D1 is vector data, the measuring
section 21 obtains vector data representing the diameter of the
bone head 9b, the length of the bone shaft 9c, the length the bone
holder 9d and/or the angle between the bone shaft 9c and the bone
holder 9d and stores the vector data in the storage section 22 as
the bone shape data D2.
[0060] The information specifying the bone 9 with the lost part 9a
to be replaced by artificial bone may be extracted from a menu code
attached to the bone image data SI or may be specified by the
operator designating a point with the mouse 93 on the frame of the
display means 40.
[0061] Thereafter, the prospective template selection means 30
reads the template shape data D1 of templates for a femur from the
template data storage means 10, and selects one or more templates
whose outer shape conforms to the contour of the femur 9 of the
patient on the basis of the bone image data S1. The selection may
be based on a pattern matching between the two pieces of image data
in a raster form. However, it is preferred that the selection be
carried out on the basis of comparison between the template shape
data D1 and the bone shape data D2. That is, since the template
shape data D1 and the bone shape data D2 are both vector data
representing the diameter of the bone head 9b, the length of the
bone shaft 9c, the length the bone holder 9d and/or the angle
between the bone shaft 9c and the bone holder 9d, the selection
(retrieval) can be done in a shorter time as compared with when the
selection is done by simple pattern matching on the raster
data.
[0062] The prospective template selection means 30 determines
whether each of the standard templates for a femur conforms to the
femur 9 with the lost part 9a, and automatically selects one or
more of the standard templates whose difference from the affected
femur 9 is within a predetermined range. When there is no standard
template whose difference from the affected femur 9 is within the
predetermined range, the prospective template selection means 30
selects one or more of the standard templates close to the
predetermined range. In this manner, the prospective template
selection means 30 selects at least one standard template as a
prospective template.
[0063] The prospective template selection means 30 inputs into the
display control means 60 information J1 on the prospective
template(s) selected. The display control means 60 causes the
display means 40 to display the numbers of the prospective
templates selected (e.g., template A to template D) together with
the thumbnail images thereof in the template image display area. It
is preferred that the thumbnail images be read out from the
template data storage means 10. When the thumbnail images are not
prepared in advance, they are obtained by reducing the original
image.
[0064] In addition to the numbers and the thumbnail images of the
prospective templates, information on the maker, model number and
the like of the artificial bone represented by the prospective
templates may be read out from the template data storage means 10
and displayed in the template display area.
[0065] Further, the list of the prospective templates (e.g., the
number of the prospective templates, the model number of the same,
and the like) may be output on a recording medium such as paper as
well being displayed by the display means 40.
[0066] The operator or the doctor determines whether the automatic
selection is satisfactory on the basis of the list and/or the
thumbnail images of the selected prospective templates. When the
automatic selection is satisfactory, the operator inputs the effect
that the automatic selection is satisfactory into the artificial
bone template selection system 1.
[0067] It is possible to check whether the automatic selection is
satisfactory by superposing the prospective templates (limited in
number) on the CR film image of the affected bone 9. Also in this
case, since the number of the prospective templates has been
reduced by the automatic selection, the checking can be done in a
shorter time.
[0068] When it is determined that the automatic selection is
unsatisfactory or when it is required to further reduce the number
of the prospective templates (e.g., to 1), the bone image data S1
is analyzed in further detail, and templates which further conform
to the bone in shape are selected out of the prospective templates.
This selection may be done in the following manner by operating the
keyboard 91, the mouse 93, the dial 92 and the like viewing the
screen of the display means 40.
[0069] That is, the display means 40 is caused to display a
template selection frame such as shown in FIG. 4. Then, the
operator selects one of the templates in the list of prospective
templates (or the thumbnail images thereof) displayed in the
template display area on the screen of the display means 40. This
selection may be done by pointing with the mouse 93 the template to
be selected or by inputting the number of the template to be
selected through the keyboard 91.
[0070] When one of the prospective templates is selected, the
prospective template selection means 30 reads out image data
representing the selected prospective template in an original size
from the template data storage means 10 and inputs it into the
image processing means 50. Then the display control means 60 causes
the display means 40 to display an image of the selected
prospective template in the original size.
[0071] Thereafter, the image of the selected prospective image in
the original size is moved to the image of the bone 9 to be
replaced by artificial bone and superposed thereon. This operation
of superposing the image of the selected prospective image in the
original size on the image of the bone 9 to be replaced is
preferably done by drag and drop with the mouse 93.
[0072] At this time, it is preferred that image processing means 50
carries out image processing for facilitating discrimination
between the shape of the prospective template and the shape of the
bone. For example, the image processing means 50 carries out image
processing for enhancing edges of the images, shading the one of
the images, displaying the edge of the bone and/or the template
only in line (solid line or dotted line), displaying the overall
shapes the bone and/or the template in a wire frame fashion, or
displaying the images in different colors. If required, the images
may be displayed in an enlarged size so that whether the selected
prospective template well conforms to the bone to be replaced can
be visually checked more easily and superposing accuracy is
increased.
[0073] The image of the selected prospective template moved to the
image of the bone is finely moved up and down and right and left
and finely rotated so that the image of the selected prospective
template conforms to the image of the bone to be replaced in
position, inclination and the like. These operation is preferably
carried out by designating a translating movement mode or a
rotational movement mode by the keyboard 91 and moving the image of
the selected prospective template by a distance or an angle
corresponding to the amount of rotation of the dial 92.
[0074] This process is repeated while changing the prospective
templates and selecting a prospective template most suitable for
the bone 9 to be replaced. In this manner, information on a final
prospective template is stored in the storage means 81.
[0075] When the bone 9 is not to be replaced in whole but
artificial bone is embedded only in place of the lost part 9a of
the femur 9, geometrical data such as coordinates of the edge 9f
(FIG. 3) of the lost part 9a of the femur 9 for defining the lost
part 9a on the prospective templates is also stored in the storage
means 81.
[0076] If desired, the template shape data D1 on the final
prospective template is input into the shaping means 80 and the
prospective template is slightly enlarged or reduced in whole or a
part of the template is finely deformed so that the final
prospective template is adjusted to a shape which strictly conforms
to the shape of the bone 9 to be replaced. Then difference data D3
representing the difference of the shape of the final prospective
template after the adjustment from that before the adjustment is
stored in the storage means 80.
[0077] The fine deformation of only a part of the final prospective
template is preferably carried out by first designating the part to
be deformed with the mouse 93, designating a translating movement
mode or a rotational movement mode by the keyboard 91 and then
deforming the designated part by a value corresponding to the
amount of rotation of the dial 92. Such a local deformation can be
carried out by changing coordinate parameters and/or function
parameters which define the shape of the template and are obtained
on the basis of the template shape data D1.
[0078] The amount of movement of the image of the template or the
amount of change of the parameters when the image of the template
is to be moved or the template is to be partly deformed can be set
also by inputting numerical values through the keyboard 91.
[0079] The operation of deforming the template or moving the image
of the template can be easily carried out when the image of the
bone to be replaced and the image of the template are displayed
superposed one on another. Further since such operation is carried
out only on templates which have been automatically selected on the
basis of the image data, selection of a suitable template can be
carried out in a shorter time.
[0080] Then an order file for ordering artificial bone
corresponding to the template thus selected, e.g., maker model
number (template number), number of the templates, delivery time,
place of delivery, the difference data D3, and the like, is made by
the order information output means 70 and the order file is sent to
a maker or an agency.
[0081] An artificial bone template selection system in accordance
with a second embodiment of the present invention will be described
with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, hereinbelow.
[0082] In the artificial bone template selection system in
accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention,
feature points are designated on the image of the bone to be
replaced and the bone shape data D2 representing the shape of the
bone to be replaced is obtained on the basis of the designated
feature points.
[0083] In this embodiment, as the means for designating the feature
points on the image displayed by the display means 40, a pointing
device such as a mouse 93 is employed, and a bone shape specifying
means 26, which obtains as vector data the bone shape data D2 on
the basis of the designated feature points, is provided in place of
the bone shape measuring means 20 employed in the first
embodiment.
[0084] In the artificial bone template selection system 1 of the
second embodiment, the operator designates feature points on the
image of the bone displayed by the display means 40. This
designation may be carried out, for instance, by designating the
diameter of the bone head 9b by pointing the center 9g and the edge
9h of the bone head 9b, designating the length of the bone shaft 9c
by pointing the longitudinal ends 9m and 9n, designating the length
of the bone holder 9d by pointing the longitudinal ends 9j and 9k
and designating the angle .theta. between the bone shaft 9c and the
bone holder 9d by pointing the longitudinal ends 9m and 9n of the
bone shaft 9c and the longitudinal ends 9j and 9k of the bone
holder 9d. The bone shape specifying means 26 obtains as vector
data the bone shape data D2 on the basis of the designated feature
points. The prospective template selection means 30 selects at
least one of the standard templates as a prospective template in
the same manner as that employed in the first embodiment.
[0085] Since pointing the feature points with the mouse 93 can be
intuitively done observing the image of the bone displayed on the
display means 40, the shape of the bone can be suitably specified
even if the bone is complicated in shape and selection of the
artificial bone template can be automatically carried out.
[0086] Though preferred embodiments of the present invention are
described above, the present invention need not be limited to the
embodiments described.
[0087] For example, though, in the embodiments described above, the
bone shape data D2 is obtained as vector data and whether the
template conforms in shape to the bone to be replaced is checked by
the use of the bone shape data D2 in the form of vector data and
the template shape data D1 also in the form of vector data, whether
the template conforms in shape to the bone to be replaced is
checked by pattern matching by the use of raster data representing
the bone to be replaced and raster data representing the standard
template.
[0088] Further, after prospective templates are automatically
selected by the prospective template selection means 30, images of
all the prospective templates may be superposed on the image of the
bone to be replaced by automatic alignment processing and which of
the prospective templates is the best may be determined viewing the
superposed image.
[0089] In this case, when the prospective template selection means
30 selects a plurality of prospective templates, it is preferred
that the contours of the image of the bone and the prospective
templates be displayed in a wire frame fashion and the wire frames
for the respective image be displayed in different colors.
[0090] Further, when the prospective template selection means 30
selects a plurality of prospective templates, it is possible to set
a display area for each prospective template and display a
superposed image in each display area.
[0091] Prospective templates can be clearly discriminated from each
other by the use of such a layout.
[0092] As the image data S1 representing an image including the
bone to be replaced by artificial bone, image data obtained by
reading out an image on X-ray film by an image scanner,
cross-sectional image data obtained by CT or MRI, three-dimensional
image data obtained by reconfiguration, or the like may be employed
in place of a radiation image read by a CR system.
[0093] The template data storage means 10 will be described in more
detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9B, hereinbelow.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 7, the template data storage means 10
comprises a recording section 11 which records data on a
predetermined recording medium and a recording section 15 which
reads out data from the recording medium. The recording section 11
comprises an image file recording means 12 which records a
plurality of pieces of template image data D4, each piece
representing an image of one template, in an image file, a shape
data extracting means 13 which extracts a plurality of pieces of
template shape data D1, each representing a feature of the shape of
a template, on the basis of template image data D4 on each
template, and a shape file recording means 14 in which the pieces
of template shape data D1 extracted by the shape data extracting
means 13 are recorded in correlation with the template image data
for each template.
[0095] The recording medium employed in the recording section 11 or
the reading section 15 may be a computer-readable portable
recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-RAM, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM or a MO
as well as a fixed type magnetic recording medium such as a hard
disc.
[0096] The reading section 15 is provided with a recording/reading
means 16 which reads out template data recorded on a portable
recording medium such as a CD-ROM, MO or the like and temporarily
stores the template shape data read out from the portable recording
medium in a recording medium such as a hard disc.
[0097] When a hard disc is employed as the recording medium in the
recording section 11, the processing of reading out the template
shape data becomes unnecessary. When the speed of the selection
(retrieval) to be described later does not involve a problem, the
template data may be read out from the computer-readable portable
recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a MO each time required.
[0098] The recording section 11 and the reading section 15 may
comprise, for instance, a computer system using a CPU.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 8, the template data comprises an image
file in which a plurality of pieces of image data D4 each
representing one template are recorded and a shape file in which a
plurality of pieces of shape data D1 each representing a feature of
the shape of a template are recorded in correlation with the image
data D1 for the template. It is preferred that the image file
includes, in addition to life-size images of the standard
templates, thumbnail images (scale-down images) of the standard
templates (e.g., reduced 1/8 by 1/8).
[0100] Further, the template data is provided with a table file for
taking a correspondence between each standard template and the file
number of the image file and the shape file for the standard
template. Further in order to facilitate, the image files and the
shape files are grouped by part, e.g., humerus, knee joint and the
like.
[0101] As the template shape data D1, vector data representing the
diameter of the bone head, the length of the bone shaft, the length
of the bone holder between the bone head and the bone shaft and/or
the angle between the bone shaft and the bone holder can be
employed. With this arrangement, not only the images of templates
are simply stored in the form of electronic data but also a
database for facilitating retrieval and shape matching can be
obtained.
[0102] Creation of a database on the template data will be
described, hereinbelow.
[0103] The image file recording means 12 makes an image file in
which a plurality of sets of template image data D4 obtained by
reading images of a plurality of standard templates with an image
scanner or the like, and stores the image file in the recording
medium such as a hard disc or a CD-ROM. It is preferred that
thumbnail images of each standard template be included in the image
file in addition to the original image of the standard template as
described before. It is further preferred that the image data be
compressed by a known image compression method such as JPEG.
[0104] The shape data extracting means 13 measures the contour
shape of each standard template by analyzing the image data D4 on
the template. Then the shape data extracting means 13 obtains
vector data representing the feature of the contour shape of each
template and inputs the vector data into the shape file recording
means 14 as the template shape data D1. For example, in the case of
templates for the femur, sets of data respectively representing the
diameter of the bone head, the length of the bone shaft, the angle
between the bone shaft and the bone holder, the length of the bone
holder, and the like are taken as the vector data.
[0105] It is possible to eliminate the shape data extracting means
13. In this case, the operator manually measures the vector data of
each standard template with a scale or the like, and inputs the
data thus obtained into the template data storage means 10 through
the keyboard 91.
[0106] The shape file recording means 14 makes a table file which
correlates the template shape data D1 and the template image data
D4 with each other while grouping them by part, and records the
table file and the shape file thus made on the recording medium
such as a CR-ROM.
[0107] The template data storage means 10 may be variously
modified.
[0108] In one modification of the template data storage means 10,
template data of the structure shown in the following table is
prepared, and the contour shape of the standard template can be
expressed by generating a curve such as a spline curve on the basis
of control points while referring to information on the coordinate
train of the control points, whether the control points are on an
edge, and the like.
1TABLE 1 data structure of template 1) model number femur (left),
femur (right) 2) size #7, #8, #9, #10 3) direction front , side 4)
contour outer edge, inner edge 5) reference line centerline, bone
head axis 6) reference point bone head fixing position; 0 mm, 5 mm,
10 mm 7) the others 1: material, weight, price, maker, scale 2:
notes
[0109] With this data structure, when the scale of an image of a
template is varied in order to apply the image of the template to a
displayed image of the bone to be replaced by artificial bone, the
edge of the image of the template is smoothly displayed as shown in
FIGS. 9A and 9B, whether the template is suitable for the bone can
be easily checked.
[0110] When the degree of suitability is automatically calculated,
simple digitization of the image of the template generates
digitization errors. However, with the method described above,
calculation errors can be suppressed.
* * * * *